The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – Movie Reviews by Ry!

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – Nostalgic Trip to the Stars: Let’s a Go!!!

Nostalgia, a feeling that makes you reminisce about things long ago.  We all have a fondness that we try to seek.  From toys to old games, we glimpse into the imagination hoping that the unthinkable can be possible.  That creative bliss, especially on the big screen, is a risk worth taking.  In this review, I look at the latest video game adaptation to hit theaters.  In this latest journey of our favorite plumber brothers, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is a nostalgic trip into the stars. 

As a new threat from the stars arrives in the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario and Luigi must traverse the unknown and become heroes once again.  Let me first begin with a question; what makes a film worth watching?  It could be an emotional grip, endearment relevancy, or comical escape.  For some, it is simply … nostalgia.  In this sequel, the adventure begins with a series of bombastic action sequences, world-building and various character introductions (view the list of voice-actors on the film’s IMdb Page – link).  From here, we are quickly thrust into a new conflict in the form of Bowser Jr, who is looking to break his father out of captivity and conquer not just the world, but the galaxy.  From here, we move along a point A to B type of narrative that is laced with typical villain tropes, good vs. evil conflict and a heroes quest dynamic.  Everything on the surface is predictable or telegraphed, but it is the different places our lovable characters traverse that generate a lively escape.  Aloofness runs amuck, but it is that vibrancy that makes the thin narrative seem somewhat enjoyable.    

As our characters continue to fight against new obstacles, a simple familial theme starts to trickle into the adventure.  From the Bowsers’ father/son dynamic to Mario and Luigi’s brotherhood, the comradery breaks the one-dimensional archetypes for a bit, leading to odd and comical moments.  As things come to head in the third act, we lead through a series of more outlandish action sequences and nostalgic references before we end in a rushed climax.  The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is an adventure that does enough for a good time.  If you are a Nintendo fan or enjoy Video Games and animated tales, you will have fun with this sequel.  In the end … I think anyone can have a good time here, for the right price.

Full Score – 3 out of 5 (Theater Discount)